New Jersey Wedding Planner - Sarah's Stands, a Cake Stand Company

Hey everyone! I want to share with you a great company that the PA team thinks you will all LOVE. It’s Sarah’s Stands, a cake stand company. At Sarah’s Stands, they specialize in “custom made pedestal cake stands for cakes that want to stand out”. They offer a variety of sizes and colors – from 12 inch to 22 inch stands, square to round stands, and 70+ colors to choose from. You are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for on your special day.

How perfect is that? Dessert stands are a great way to spruce up your cake and it’s often hard finding just the right one suitable for your wedding. I know you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for because of the endless options they offer. And, bonus, Sarah’s Stands makes all of their cake stands in their own workshop.

Look at the array of great colors they offer:



And here are some photos:
















Be sure to check out the website or visit their Facebook page !!



Kaitlyn



Photo Sources:
www.sarahsstands.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Sarahs-Stands-a-cake-stand-company/218614538779?v=wall

New Jersey Wedding Planner - A great gift for your Husband-to-Be

Are you thinking about doing something extra special for your hubby-to-be for your upcoming wedding, but aren’t sure what to get for him? Maybe you want to stay away from a traditional gift or want to add some spunk to something you’ve already gotten him. A great way to surprise him is to have a custom groom’s cake made especially for him. It doesn’t matter when you give it to him, that’s completely up to you! That’s right, you can stray from waiting until the wedding day to give it to him if that’s what you desire – you could give him the cake before his bachelor party (if he has one), at the bridal shower (if he’s going to be there), or catch him off guard on a random day (no audience needed!); the possibilities are endless. Whichever way you choose to surprise him, he’s sure to be in for a delicious treat.

Now that you’ve decided on the specialty cake, it’s time to decide what you want the cake to be. This is where you can be creative if you want. If you’re looking to go non-traditional, think of his favorite sports team, a pastime he loves, his hobbies, an inside joke between the two of you.. and then have that cake created for him. They can be funny, sentimental, manly, silly.. anything! Then take the idea to a local bakery and see if they can make it for you or use the internet to find bakeries near you that specialize in these types of cakes. If you’re REALLY good, you can make the cake yourself!

I Googled some pictures of groom’s cakes and here are a few for inspiration:


















Have fun with this and he will love it!! =)

Kaitlyn


Photo Sources:
themecakesbytraci.com
sweetideasbywendy.com
hotbreadsmddc.com
blog.makezine.com
sweetelement.com

Don't feel guilty about eating anymore.. - NJ/NY Wedding Planner

Eat, drink and be merry — a phrase we all like to live by, no matter what time of year it is. Weddings are an ideal place to do this, and as the hosts, you want to make sure your guests are having as good of a time as you are. I’ve been a guest to many weddings and know first-hand that one of the things people look forward to is the delicious wedding food. Whether it’s the cocktail hour appetizers, buffet style meals, or sit-down dinner portions, there’s just something amazing about it. However, I also know that this area can break the bank for couples; it is one of the priciest aspects of a wedding. I’m going to give you the Top 7 tips I’ve come across of how you, as a wedding couple, can save big money on food without anyone knowing the difference.

1. If you decide on a having a cocktail hour with appetizers, don’t offer a cheese platter. Cheeses are costly and usually the least popular food item at weddings.

2. Try not to repeat items in the main dinner platter that you already served at the cocktail hour. For example, if you’re serving pasta as a dinner dish, don’t have a pasta station for guests beforehand. Not only is this saving you money, but it’s also saving your guests room for different food!

3. There’s always an excess of food at weddings—one reason is because hosts offer so much food before the actual meal and then serve a 5-course dinner. If you have a buffet beforehand, opt for a 2 or 3 course meal. Your budget will notice a difference; your guests won’t.

4. This one is so obvious and easy, but could save you hundreds: ask about pricing! Different meats and seafood are different prices during the year, based on what’s in season and what’s not. Simply ask the chef what the cheapest option will be at the time of your celebration.

5. If you have an open bar, don’t go for the top shelf liquors. Most people usually can’t tell the difference (especially if you’re having a signature drink or an array of mixed drinks), and it will save you big money.

6. Use bite-sized desserts to control portions AND your budget. Most people take a lot just so they can try everything, and end up leaving most of the plate behind. This will allow your guests to sample everything while wasting nothing!


7. My favorite tip for cake-savings, also given by the Cake Boss himself (for those of you who don’t watch TLC, Carlo’s Bake Shop is a family run bakery in Hoboken that has its own reality show). He says instead of going for a 5-tier cake, you can save big by choosing a 3-tier cake and simply having a sheet cake of the same flavor in the back for the chefs to cut up and serve. Your guests will have no clue, but you will when you see how much smaller the bill is.

Hopefully you can use these tips for some big time savings. Now you really CAN eat, drink and be merry.... knowing that you just saved a bundle! =)

-Kaitlyn


Photo sources:
www.stylemepretty.com
www.a-wedding-reception.com

Beyond the Cake--NJ/NY Wedding Planner

Wedding cakes have come a long way from the standard multi-tiered white cakes. Now they come in all colors, sizes, flavors and shapes. However, if you’re looking to expand your dessert options beyond just a cake, or if you’re ready to nix the cake altogether, consider some of these options:

Dessert Stations can be as grand or as simple as you want, and offer guests the opportunity to select what they’re really in the mood for. You can create a candy bar full of you and your husband’s favorite childhood candies. Place them in clear apothecary jars and label each treat for a simple but elegant look. Or, you can try a cheesecake bar. Scoop cheesecake into martini glasses and have guests select their own toppings like cherries, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and crushed Oreo cookies. Try incorporating your wedding’s colors with coordinating colored M&Ms.


If you’re not into the big-cake-cut-into-small-slices idea, try serving each guest their own individual cake. Try something as simple as an open-dish shaped angel food cake filled with seasonal berries and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or something as elaborate as the ones pictured.

If you still want the feel of a cake, but want to try something a little less traditional, try a cupcake tower. These can be multi-tiered and can include cupcakes of all different flavors and colors. Cupcake towers are beautiful and practical, and are sure to delight your guests (particularly the younger ones!).



Lastly, you can always opt for a fondue station with a variety of dippers. Try marshmallows, graham crackers, bananas, strawberries, or rice-krispie treats. Be careful though, particularly if your reception is being held outside. Melted chocolate can get messy fast, especially if an unexpected gust of wind comes through.

Remember, dessert is inherently fun. Don’t worry so much about how intricate your delicacies are. Your guests will love anything that satisfies their sweet tooth and makes them smile!


Courtney